New York, New York, July 18, 2018 — On September 16, local dystonia patients led by Pamela Sloate of N.Y., N.Y, are shining a spotlight on dystonia at the 4th Annual Bronx Zoo Walk to combat a widespread lack of awareness of their rare neurological disorder. They seek to make dystonia as familiar to the public as less common diseases like muscular dystrophy and ALS. Proceeds benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, which works to secure better treatments and a cure for dystonia.

A seasoned dystonia warrior, Pamela sandwiched the 2016 Bronx Zoo Walk between two “awake” surgeries where a neurosurgeon inserted electrodes into her brain and a third operation implanting neurostimulators in her chest and connecting wires under her skin. Now that the electrodes are properly “programmed,” Deep Brain Stimulation has offered Pamela a miraculous transformation from laboring with her walker to gliding gracefully around New York City! The daunting realities of these procedures only strengthened her resolve to make a difference.

Once you’ve survived chatting with your neurosurgeon while he’s navigating an electrode into your brain, you can conquer pretty much anything, especially with a new “superpower.”

Now that I’m bionic, planning the Bronx Zoo Walk is a piece of cake.

— Pamela Sloate —

Pamela has battled generalized dystonia affecting her limbs and speech for 40+ years. As she recounts, dystonia complicates tasks as simple as speaking, walking across a room or signing her name. Notwithstanding her struggles, Pamela is determined to put her virtually unknown disorder on the map and support fellow patients. She moderates a local support group, serves as a dystonia advocate, fundraises for a cure, and publishes a blog sharing the twist and turns of life with dystonia at www.dystoniamuse.com.

Event Details:The Bronx Zoo Walk offers a “twist” on traditional charity walks as there’s no formal walking course. Enjoy family-friendly festivities and a day at the Zoo.Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for kids including all-day admission to the Zoo, entertainment and refreshments. On-site registration opens at 8:30am. The event begins at 9:30am. Attendees should use the Southern Boulevard Entrance and go to the Great Hall.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder affecting an estimated 300,000 in the U.S. and Canada, one-third children. Dystonia causes uncontrollable muscle spasms that twist the body into involuntary movements and painful postures. It can strike children of all ages and disables adults in their primes. Dystonia is frequently misdiagnosed or goes undiagnosed, sending patients on a prohibitive search for answers.

Highlights from the Bronx Zoo Walk on Oct. 4, 2015

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Email: ps@dystoniamuse.com

What seems like a lifelong experience with Dystonia began with a "mis-step" when I was 8-1/2. Dystonia may have staged a coup over certain body parts but my heart and soul remain firmly my own. I'm a friend, daughter, sister, creative mind, honorary auntie, fan of the quantum mechanical, hopefully one-day spouse, now also health activist.